Identification and Analysis of Microplastics from Aqueous Media

Abstract

The current research confirmed the presence of microplastics in the environment and also in living organisms. Collection, separation and identification of microplastics from environment are very desirable activities, important for monitoring these undesirable materials. In order to determine the real risk brought about by plastic fragments, it is necessary to implement a standard protocol for their sampling, quantification and identification. In this study, analytical techniques, such as SEM, py-GC-MS, FTIR, NMR and Raman spectroscopy, often used for the identification of microplastics, are discussed, together with novel methods used to identify the pollutants adsorbed on them, e.g., pharmaceuticals and metals.